Continuity of government key for development in Bihar: Nara Lokesh

Andhra Pradesh Minister and TDP national general secretary Nara Lokesh, who is currently campaigning in poll-bound Bihar as part of the NDA alliance, said that continuity in government is essential to keep Bihar’s development on track.

Speaking to reporters in Patna, Lokesh said that “Viksit Bihar is a necessary step for a Viksit Bharat”, highlighting that the Telugu Desam Party remains a partner in the BJP-led NDA at the Centre.

Lokesh argued that Bihar has undergone a major transformation under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He claimed that before Nitish took charge, the state struggled with what he termed "jungle raj", but now has “better law and order and a more vibrant administrative environment.”

He pointed to the concept of a “double-engine government”, the same party/team running both the state and the Centre, saying this has enabled both Bihar and Andhra Pradesh to secure major allocations in the Union Budget 2025-26, paving the way for new infrastructure and higher educational institutions. According to him, Delhi’s support is crucial for attracting investment and boosting state-level development.

Calling the Bihar election a “defining moment”, Lokesh praised both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar for what he described as clean governance and clear vision.

Responding to the RJD’s poll promise of “one house, one government job”, Lokesh termed it “impractical”. He said Andhra Pradesh is instead working on a policy of “one house, one entrepreneur”, and suggested that Bihar could adopt a similar, sustainable model.

The first phase of voting for 121 seats recorded over 65% turnout on November 6. The second phase covering 122 seats will take place on November 11, with counting scheduled for November 14.